Dispensations (Part III)

Lesson Content

IX The Millennial Reign: In the Millennial Reign, all the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ (Rev.11:15). Jesus, and all the saints and martyrs who are partakers of the First Resurrection will reign on this earth for a thousand years (Dan.7:14,18,27; Rev. 20:4-6). In the Millennial Reign, man will receive the dominion and blessings which he had lost in the garden of Eden. Since the earth and heaven are renewed in the Millennium they will regain the Edenic order. During this period, Jesus will be the King of kings and those who partake of the First Resurrection (the Bridal Church, the Tribulation martyrs, the Old Testament saints and the general martyrs) will be princes and priests on this earth (Psa.45:16; Isa.32:1; Dan.7:21-27; Rev.5:10; 20:4-6). In this period Jerusalem will be the capital and a praise in the earth (Matt.5:35; Isa.62:7; Jer.3:17; Zech.6:13). The Law shall proceed from Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem (Isa.2:3; Mic.4:2). The Characteristics of this kingdom:

1. A kingdom of righteousness: Since Jesus and the saints will be reigning, there will be no unrighteousness found in this kingdom and there will be judgment and righteousness everywhere (Isa.11:4,5; Jer.23:5,6; 33:15). Satan, the cause of sin, will be bound during this period and cast into the bottomless pit and will be shut up for thousand years. So though there will be sinners in this period, they will not be provoked to commit sin.

2. A kingdom o f peace: Since Jesus, the Prince of Peace will be the King of kings, the whole earth will be filled with peace (Zech.6:13).

(i) Enmity between man and man will be removed. Weapons of war will be changed into agricultural tools (Isa.2:4; Mic.4:3; Zech.9:10). (ii) Enmity between man and beast will be removed (Isa.11:8). (iii) Enmity between beast and beast will be removed (Isa.11:6,7; 65:25).

3. A kingdom without curse: The earth and the whole creation are groaning under the curse, because of man’s s in. Since Satan will be bound during the Millennial Reign, the whole creation including man will be delivered from the curse and will rejoice in the glorious liberty that they will receive (Isa.55:12,13; Rom.8:19-21).

4. A kingdom of prosperity: Hunger, starvation, thirst, unemployment, sickness etc. which are seen now, will not be found in the Millennial Reign, and all will

be prosperous, healthy, abundant and plenteous (Isa. 33:24; 35).

5. A kingdom where people have long life: In this period, people w ill have long life, even as the days of a tree (Isa.65:20-22); the climatic condition will be favourable for a healthy life (Isa.4:6).

6. A kingdom that is filled with the knowledge of the Lord (Isa.11:9; Hab.2:14). During this period, all the people of th e world will worship Jesus and serve Him. They will go to Jerusalem to worship Him (Zech.14:16). The Gog Magog War (Rev.20:7,8): At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be loosed out of his prison and will gather together with him all nations from t he earth and will go out to fight against God and His saints. In this war, Jesus and His saints will conquer. Satan who deceived the people will be cast into the Lake of Fire burning with brimstone. This is the final war. The Great White Throne Judgment (Rev.20:11-13): After Satan is cast into the Lake of Fire, this heaven and the earth shall pass away. God will be seated on His throne. Then the dead, small and great will come before Him and the books will be opened. God shall judge them that the righteous may inherit the New Earth and the wicked be cast into the Lake of Fire. It is after this that eternity will begin.